Rudy is not the problem, but is he part of the solution?
Meaning, are we a better team in 3-4 years with peak Don if we hold onto Rudy, or are we better off conceding our REAL title window is a little further out than we might want to admit right now and trading Rudy at the height of his value and start building for 3-4 years down the line. I don’t think his trade value will ever get higher than it is now, so we need to figure this out.
The other thing that no one is talking about is the chemistry issues between Don and Rudy. This is another important consideration. I think we are on the cusp of “unsalvageable” part 2 if we flame out right now. Don’t say “but Shaq and Kobe…” Rudy and Don talent-wise aren’t Shaq and Kobe. Can they overcome the fact that their personalities clash so much? I don’t know. I’m not blaming either guy here, but the tension is obvious. If someone has to go between the two, it’s obviously Rudy.
I don’t know the answer to any of this. I hope the FO seriously considers this all of these questions this offseason.